Director Christopher Hines' documentary
on what it means to be gay in a macho world arrives on DVD next
month.
The
Butch Factor looks at masculinity when you're gay.
“What does it mean to be a man?”
the film's marketing asks. “Who defines masculinity? Do these
ideas change according to history and culture? And are gay men
losing their critical eye on masculinity as they seek more acceptance
in mainstream society?”
The film premiered in June at San
Francisco's acclaimed Frameline Film Festival.
Hines tells the story of masculinity
from a fresh angle: the gay man. What does macho mean for burly San
Francisco Lt. Sheriff Vince Calvarese versus Mark Snyder, a petite
man who embraces his effeminacy with a “sissy” tattoo. As Snyder
faces bullying and violence on the streets of San Francisco,
Calvarese's problems have more to do with being stereotyped. But
both men confront societal expectations about what it means to be a man.
The
Butch Factor arrives on DVD January 19 and is slated for
broadcast on all-gay cabler Logo in March.
Gay Entertainment Report is feature of
On Top Magazine and can be reached at ontopmag@ontopmag.com.